California Assembly Member Lloyd Levine was joined today by representatives of Californians Against Waste, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Auto Dismantlers, and automobile manufacturers in unveiling a new state program for recovery and recycling toxic mercury auto switches.

"Tons of mercury is released into the environment as a result of improperly disposed auto switches, which results in a real threat to public health – especially severe developmental problems in children, such as autism,” Assemblymember Levine said. “Over the past three years, I have been working with the auto industry, recycling executives, and numerous environmental groups to establish a statewide program to properly collect and dispose of mercury switches in cars.

"I am proud to announce that all the hard work exhibited by all parties involved has resulted in a drastic reduction in the amount of mercury released into California’s environment,” Levine continued. “Through the implementation of this program, California is now seen as a national leader in working to prevent future health and environmental degradation from the release of mercury into our environment."